Grace

For several days now I have felt the heaviness of the human condition, of the dangerous road so many of us walk apart from God, of our need for a severe mercy. What will become of us who refuse God's love? What of those who reject God's plans? In this confused and twisted world I find I am desperate for God and the only relief I find is in Him. And I am continually amazed that His response to me is GRACE. Despite all my darknesses, all my depravity, all my weaknesses, He doesn't turn away in disgust. He turns toward me through Christ, with a full-on gaze of love, acceptance, forgiveness and grace. This seems too good to be true. But this, this is the God I love! The One who is better than my reality, whose love is better than all I can dream up, whose plans are greater than my imagination and whose heart is bigger, grander and more beautiful than I can fathom. It's not that it's too good to be true, it's that the Truth IS Love, Perfect Love. I am so deeply grateful for the grace of God.

So Much

Wow. There's so much to be thankful for. I'm thankful to be getting over the flu, thankful for the time I had to read in bed while I was sick :), thankful for my husband who picked up the slack joyfully, thankful to be surrounded (in my home at least) by fall colors and plenty of candles, thankful for my dreaming daughter who wakes up most mornings telling me the most fantastic dreams...this one I've got to tell you! The latest is that she traveled to see friends in Utah BY HERSELF...at the age she is now, she insisted. She went to the beach (hmmm?) with them and had several adventures. She saw a unique flower and asked our friend CR about it. He said it was edible. She realized after she ate it that she forgot to ask what it DID. She grew really tall, like a giant. They played football on the beach and she caught EVERY pass with ease. When she got tired she started to shrink, but when she rested she got bigger again. In her dreams she can do anything: ride a monster truck by herself, make friends with a giant, drive a car, climb mountains. Maybe I should write an illustrated collection of Lily's dreams.



Ann, from Holy Experience encouraged me to set a date of when I'd like to reach my goal of 1000 gifts. I think that's a great idea and have chosen January 30, 2010. That may seem like a long time, but my style is slow and savory! I will likely journal them all, but select my favorites to share. Thanks to all who have read my blog and have encouraged me on gratitude road.